On Friday, October 27, 2006 from 5-8 pm, The Institute for Community Research (ICR) will host an opening reception for the internationally renowned Weavings of War: Fabrics of Memory. This thought-provoking exhibit features sixty appliqués, clothing, embroideries, story cloths and woven rugs created by artisans from war-torn countries around the world. While the textiles depict startling images of conflict, the exhibit also demonstrates that art, narrative, and tradition can help to heal those who have suffered through strife. The exhibit will be at the Jean J. Schensul Community Gallery at ICR, 2 Hartford Square West Suite 100, 146 Wyllys St, in Hartford, CT, from October 27 through January 13. Gallery hours are 10 am to 5 pm or by appointment and during special events; entrance is free and open to the public. This will be the only showing in Southern New England.

ICR’s Cultural Heritage Arts Program (CHAP) has worked closely with local community leaders whose cultures are represented in Weavings of War, to organize a series of events accompanying the exhibit. Visitors will have the chance to attend a traditional artists’ market held at ICR in conjunction with Hartford Open Studios Weekend 2006. Other activities include an Afghan dinner, a Chilean story cloth workshop, and a Cambodian court dance performance. “These presentations will bring forward the stories and direct experiences of those who live in our communities now as neighbors,” says Lynne Williamson, director of CHAP. “Their powerful narratives of war and dislocation, seldom heard publicly, give testament to resilience, grace, and the power of art to heal.” For many immigrant groups, teaching about cultural heritage and history is crucial to maintaining the health and well being of the community, especially among the younger generations. “These cultural leaders also see that reaching out to a wider public is an effective way to educate others about their traditions, and can alleviate issues of conflict or prejudice,” she says. To learn more about the exhibit and related event series please contact Lynne Williamson at lynne.Williamson@icrweb.org or 860-278-2044 x251 or visit www.incommunityresearch.org.

Weavings of War: Fabrics of Memory is a traveling exhibition curated by Ariel Zeitlin Cooke; produced by City Lore, Michigan State University Museum, and the Vermont Folklife Center; and funded by the Coby Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Rockefeller Foundation, and Paul and Eileen Growald. ICR's programming is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts; the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism; The Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation; the Knox Foundation; the Connecticut Humanities Council; the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving; the Ensworth Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, Trustee; and the Greater Hartford Arts Council, through its United Arts and United Way campaigns.

The Institute for Community Research is an independent research institute that conducts applied research and supports community enhancement programs on issues of health, education and cultural heritage. Its Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program encourages and promotes traditional artists and their communities through an active process of documentation, technical assistance, and public presentations to bring their work and the history of their communities to new audiences.

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Along with Weavings of War: Fabrics of Memory, ICR will host a series of related events coordinated with the communities represented in the exhibit. Unless otherwise noted, the following events will are all free and will take place at The Institute for Community Research, 2 Hartford Square West, Suite 100/ 146 Wyllys Street, Hartford, CT. Call Lynne Williamson at (860) 278-2044 x251 for registration, appointments, and other details.

Exhibit Opening Reception

October 27, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Featuring a Cambodian court dance performance by master artist and Khmer Rouge survivor Somaly Hay; speakers from the exhibit programming advisory team; and ethnic food from local restaurants.

Traditional Crafts Marketplace (in conjunction with Hartford Open Studios Weekend 2006)

November 4, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A wide variety of local artists will sell their crafts and offer hands-on demonstrations.

Narratives of War Forum

November 11, noon - 6 p.m. Registration is required; call (860) 278-2044.

Keynote speaker Anne Brodsky will discuss her work in Afghanistan. Panel discussions will present the personal stories of several artists and cultural leaders who have experienced war and dislocation, and will investigate strategies for healing trauma through art and narrative.

Afghan Dinner & Discussion

November 18, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Registration is required; call (860) 278-2044. ($25 for dinner.)

Shish Kebab House of Afghanistan, 36 LaSalle Rd., West Hartford.

An evening of music and food from the Sarwar family, who moved to the U.S. from Afghanistan in the 1980's. They will present war rugs from their collection that may be purchased.

La Peña Chilena

December 2, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Registration is required; call (860) 278-2044.

This Chilean event features an afternoon workshop for children on making arpilleras (story embroideries) led by educator Christi Moraga, a cueca dance workshop led by Marta Leal, and Chilean food, music, and videos.

Chilean Music, Poetry Reading & Discussion

December 2, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

La Paloma Sabanera Coffeehouse and Bookstore, 405 Capitol Avenue, Hartford.

An evening performance, poetry reading, and discussion presented by renowned Chilean writer Marjorie Agosín, musician Juan Brito, and choreographer Judy Dworin.

Peruvian Cultural Presentation

December 9, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Call for details and registration, (860) 278-2044. ($25 for dinner.)

La Casona Restaurant, 681 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford. 

An evening dinner event hosted by Los Andes newspaper editor Pedro Espinoza, and the Association of Peruvian American Professionals. Scholar Olga González will discuss the forms of resistance expressed by Andean women through their arpilleras (story embroideries) during the Shining Path insurgency in Peru. Dance groups Danzas Peruanas and Negrura Peruana will perform.

Southeast Asian Arts

January 6, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

A festival showcasing food, music, dance, and traditional stories from Laotian, Hmong, Cambodian and Vietnamese artists including Cambodian court dancer and Khmer Rouge survivor Somaly Hay.

Bosnian Program and Exhibit Closing

January 13, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

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